Durban North’s Ross to hit the water in Peru
The Crawford College International La Lucia learner told Northglen News he was excited about his latest swimming achievement.
Ross Paterson, a teenager from Durban North, is off to Peru to participate in the 8th FINA Junior World Swimming Championships in Lima, Peru.
Ross, who is in Grade 11 at Crawford College International La Lucia, told Northglen News he was very excited about his latest swimming achievement.
“I can’t wait to represent my country in Peru. To me, it means that all my hard work, commitment and sacrifice are paying off. It’s worth it,” he said.
To be considered for qualification in the event, Ross swam qualifying times for the 1 500 m, 800 m and 400 m freestyle.
“There’s a database with the swimmers’ times recorded that the organisers have access to. That’s how I got chosen,” said Ross.
He has been swimming for as long as he can remember, but only started taking swimming seriously when he got to Grade Six.
“I’ve always been ahead when it came to swimming and took part in galas and school sports events. I then joined Action Swim Academy and was coached by Alisdair Hatfield, who is still my coach. He saw something in me that I didn’t and trained me to become the swimmer that I am today,” said the 17-year-old.
“I always had a natural talent when it came to swimming, but I really started enjoying it when I met other swimmers and could relate to them. It’s tough. Waking up early, training till late. These swimmers encouraged me and helped me persevere,” he said.
His role models are Matthew Sates, Chad le Clos, and Michael McGlinn whom he has swum with before.
“I aspire to be like all these swimmers,” he said.
Ross said his first shocking achievement was when he won the aQuellé Midmar Mile in the U13 category.
“I also beat the times of the swimmers who were in the over-35 category. He came third in the last aQuellé Midmar Mile main event out of the 14–35 age group.
“I was under 13 when I beat the times of the swimmers in the over-35 category. It was a very proud moment for me,” he said.
“I train for four hours a day, and I have to balance school, studying and my training. It’s just something that you have to do if you’re serious about swimming. You have to find that balance and be disciplined,” said Ross.
Once he finishes school, he would like to continue swimming and study engineering.
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